Osaka in Autumn: 10 Places to Enjoy the Changing Leaves

Turning golden brown from late October to late November, Osaka is a great city to explore in autumn. While some spots are day-trip destinations or hiking adventures, you can also pick from the central options if you’re short on time. Walking up Midosuji Avenue or visiting the castle are perfect ways to see Osaka autumn leaves even if you’re on a tight schedule.

1. Osaka Castle

The sightseeing spot that just keeps on giving, Osaka Castle’s hundreds of cherry and plum trees transform the surrounding Nishinomaru park into an autumnal beauty spot. Rows of golden Gingko trees line the paths leading to the iconic castle tower, with one aged at over a century old.

2. Hoshida Park Suspension Bridge

Located in a quasi-national park, the Hoshi no Buranko (meaning star swing) is possibly one of the most stunning autumn views in the whole of Japan, let alone Osaka. Offering views across the 105 hectare park, the largely wooden suspension bridge is 50m high and allows you to look down across the trees (assuming you’re not scared of heights of course).

The park is home to multiple hiking trails and a 16 ft artificial climbing wall, so there are plenty of ways to experience the foliage. The park is a 40-minute hike from the nearest station and they are currently expecting peak colors at around mid-November.

Hours: 9am – 5pm, final entry to the bridge is at 4:30pm.Access: Hike from Kisaichi Station on the Keihan line, 45 minutes from Osaka Station.Entry: Free

3. Daisen Park | 大仙公園

Home to one of the country’s top 100 Japanese gardens, Daisen Park is a popular autumn spot as it combines landscaping with deep red leaves. The views in miniature aren’t overwhelmed with autumnal colours, but the carefully selected trees provide a beautiful scene straight from traditional paintings.

The garden has a small teahouse where you can try a seasonal sweet with green tea while enjoying the view before exploring the rest of the park. Peak bloom is expected from mid-late November.

Hours: 9.30am – 5pm for the park, 4.30pm for the Japanese Garden (last entry at 4pm) Closed Mondays.Access: Head to Mozu station on the Hanwa line – 35 minutes from Osaka or 10 from Tennoji.Price: The park is free, the Japanese garden costs ¥200.

4. Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park | 万博記念公園

Known as Banpaku Kinenkoen in Japanese, this large park was once used to host the pavilions of the Japan World Exposition in 1970, and is still going strong on that claim to fame. Featuring forests, lawns, a Japanese garden, thousands of cherry trees and the Momiji Waterfall, it’s a great place to view the autumn leaves (70s clothing optional).

The Sorado Promenade is a great place to view the waterfall as the maple leaves turn a deep red as the season progresses. The park itself is also pleasant to stroll through, with plenty of pleasing hues surrounding the unusual park symbols like the Tower of the Sun by Taro Okamoto.

Hours: 9:30am – 5pm, last entry at 4:30pm. The park is closed on Wednesdays, but not in October/November.Access: Catch the Osaka Monorail to Expo Memorial Park Station (bampakukinenkoen on hyperdia), about 20 minutes of you take the Midosuji line from Umeda to Senri-Chuo and change there.Entry: Park entry is ¥250, the Japanese garden costs an additional ¥250.

5. Mino Falls & Katsuoji | 箕面公園 & 応頂山 勝尾寺

One of the most popular spots for an afternoon out in Osaka, Minoo Park is a soft hike along a river with a few bonus spots along the way. Ending in the picturesque view of Mino Falls complete with small bridge (and probably lots of people), the walk is about 3km long and has a few bonus spots along the way, like Katsuoji, a small but popular temple known for its links with Daruma (the small red figures).

The main path has recently been closed due to typhoon damage but is expected to be reopened for the leaf-viewing season. The secondary path is more uneven and may not be suitable for carriages or wheelchairs.

There are shops and small restaurants along the way so be sure to try the fried maju leaves—an autumn specialty.

Hours: Always openIllumination: Katsuoji is lit up from 6pm – 7:30pm on weekends and holidays during the season, but transport is limited so plan ahead.Access: From Umeda station take the Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi and change to the Minoo Line, getting off at Minoo Station. It takes just under half an hour and costs ¥270.Entry: Free

7. Ushitakiyama Daitokuji | 大威徳寺

An area of mountains well known for autumn foliage, Ushitikayama is home to Daitokiji—a temple with a two-story pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Asset. Framed with the colours of autumn, the Tahoto pagoda, Bell Tower and Daishodo Hall all make for a stunning view, and although it’s at the end of a pretty long bus journey, it’s worth it.

There is a momiji (maple) avenue to stroll down, the beautiful Kinryu Falls nearby and stalls selling local, seasonal goods. The temple is one of Japan’s oldest and was used by Kukai in the 9th century.

On the same bus route, get off at Ushitaki-Onsen Seseragiso-mae bus stop if you fancy a soak in the feather-like waters of Iyoyaka no Sato—an onsen with outdoor baths.

Hours: No closing hours but public transport is relatively limited, so check in advanceAccess: From Kishiwada Station (25 minutes from Namba Station on the airport express) catch the local Nankai bus to Ushitakayama (50 minutes). You can also catch the bus from Kumeda Station on the JR Hanwa Line (50 minutes from Osaka Station with one change).Entry: Free

8. Midosuji Avenue | 御堂筋

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A 4km stretch of unusually wide road, Midosuji Avenue is lined with ginkgo trees and transformed into a golden haven every autumn. Located in Shinsaibashi, it includes high-end stores and boutiques as well as becoming a romantic place for a stroll in the evening.

9. Mount Kongo

On prefectural border with Nara, Mount Kongo is Osaka’s tallest mountain and is popular in winter for ice trees (juhyo), but also has some stunning autumnal foliage to admire. Part of the Kongo Katsuragi range, it is 1,125m tall and home to castle ruins, temples and shrines as well as plenty of hiking routes perfect for all levels.

There is a ropeway and views from the top can stretch all the way to Kobe on a clear day. The Chihaya Castle ruins are an unmissable spot during autumn.

Hours: Open all year round but the ropeway closes at 5pm.Access: Catch the Nankai Koya line from Namba station to Kawachinagano where you can catch a bus to the Mount Kongo Ropeway – Chihaya Station. (¥720 for adults, 9am-5pm).Entry: Free

The event has a tea ceremony, as well as traditional practices and is a great way to celebrate the sights and flavors of autumn.

The ancient temple is known for its traditional and long-lasting buildings as well as its maple leaves which enhance the already beautiful gardens. Be sure to see the pagoda, bell tower and ancient trees—and if you have time, try the forest-bathing course.

Hours: 9am – 4pmAccess: Head to Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line and catch the bus for Kyuuanji from there (15 minutes).Entry: ¥300

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